Andy Balbirnie guides Ireland to maiden T20I victory against Pakistan in Dublin

Planet Sport writerStaff Writer11 May 2024
Andy Balbirnie

Andy Balbirnie

Ireland secured their first win against Pakistan in 17 years with a five-wicket victory in the first match of their T20 series in Dublin.

Opener Andy Balbirnie's superb 77 helped Ireland reach their victory target of 183 for five with one ball to spare.

It was Ireland's second-ever win against Pakistan – their first since the 2007 World Cup – who had earlier posted 182 for six, with Babar Azam (57) and Saim Ayub (45) top-scoring.

Balbirnie struck two sixes and 10 fours in his 55-ball knock and he was given valuable support by Harry Tector (36 off 27 deliveries) and George Dockrell (24 off 12).

Gareth Delany (10 not out) and Curtis Campher (15 not out) came together for Ireland’s last partnership with their side on 167 for five, needing 17 off eight balls, and they scampered home for the winning run off a leg-bye.

The two sides will meet again at the same Castle Avenue venue in Clontarf on Sunday and next Tuesday.

Recommended Offers

betting card

£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins

CLAIM OFFER
New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
betting card

Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus

CLAIM OFFER
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
betting card

Get £10 in Free Bets

CLAIM OFFER
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad

    More News